Valve Flushing Kit

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments of a valve flushing kit used in temporarily flushing a globe valve can include a flushing bonnet assembly that includes a circular disk adapted to be received in the upper opening of an internal valve cavity of a valve when a closure bonnet and a closure member of the valve are removed and a plurality of bonnet clamps each having at least one opening therethrough, wherein the opening can be adapted to be received on one of the threaded studs protruding from the upper exterior surface of a body of the valve and the bonnet clamps can be held in place by the threaded nut.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to systems and methods for protecting a globevalve, in particular for protection of the valve when a piping system inwhich the valve is installed is being flushed for cleaning.

BACKGROUND

Some fluid flow systems, such as natural gas or crude oil distributionnetworks or processing plant and refinery piping systems (hereinafterpiping system), require periodic maintenance that includes flushing ofthe piping system in which globe valves are installed. For example, aportion of a piping system that includes one or more valves may bedrained and flushed prior to repair and/or after a repair to a portionof that piping system. In such circumstances, flushing of the system mayinclude flushing one or more of the valves in the system. Since thesevalves can be damaged by the flushing process (e.g., by the highpressure flow of contaminants through the valves), the valves can beprepared prior to flushing such that internal components of the valvesare either removed or protected. A variety of globe valves exist withdifferent configurations, such as size of the nominal internal diameterof the valve inlet and exit (e.g., 4 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch, etc.),nominal pressure rating (ANSI 600#, 900#, 1500# etc.), all of whichaffect the configuration of the valve's internal cavities, bolt patternssecuring the actuator assemblies, and the like, thus requiring differentprior art equipment customized for each valve to replace the internalcomponents of the valves, protect the interior surfaces of the valves,and seal the internal cavities of the valves from the surroundingenvironment.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of a flushing kit can be used for temporarily flushinga globe valve, wherein the globe valve can have a valve body defining aninternal cavity for receiving a linear reciprocating closure member, afirst internal fluid passage connecting a valve inlet to the internalcavity, and a second internal fluid passage connecting the internalcavity to a valve outlet. The internal cavity of the globe valve canhave an upper opening closed by a closure bonnet held in place withthreaded nuts received on a plurality of threaded studs protruding froman upper exterior surface of the valve body, and a lower opening in theinternal cavity having a closure seat and seat gasket adapted to receivethe closure member.

In particular embodiments, a flushing kit can include a flushing bonnetassembly that includes a circular disk adapted to be received in theupper opening of an internal valve cavity of a valve when a closurebonnet and a closure member of the valve are removed. The flushing kitcan also include one or more downwardly disposed legs connected at aproximal end to a bottom side of the circular disk. The kit may furtherinclude a seat protection ring adapted to contact a seat gasket of thevalve or be disposed in close proximity thereto and thereby protect aclosure seat of the valve, wherein the seat protection ring is connectedto a distal end of the one or more legs. The flushing kit can alsoinclude a plurality of bonnet clamps each having at least one openingtherethrough, wherein the opening can be adapted to be received on oneof the threaded studs protruding from the upper exterior surface of abody of the valve. The bonnet clamps can be held in place by a threadednut. In some aspects, the flushing kit can further include a pluralityof bushings each having an exterior diameter sized to be received in theopening of each of the bonnet clamps and having an internal diameter ofsized to be received on the threaded studs protruding from the upperexterior surface of the valve body. In further aspects, the bonnetclamps can have two or more holes of varying diameters wherein at leastone of the diameters is sized to be received on the threaded studsprotruding from the upper exterior surface of the valve body. In stillother aspects, the flushing kit can include a plurality of bushings eachhaving an exterior diameter sized to be received in at least one of theopenings of each of the bonnet clamps and having an internal diametersized to be received on the threaded studs protruding from the upperexterior surface of the valve body.

In some embodiments, a flushing kit temporarily used for flushing aglobe valve includes a flushing bonnet assembly that includes a circulardisk adapted to be received in an upper opening of a cavity of the valvewhen the closure bonnet and the closure member are removed. The flushingkit can also include at least two downwardly disposed connectors, eachattached at a proximal end to the bottom side of the circular disk. Theflushing kit can further include an adapter plate configured to receivea distal end of the connectors and can be attached to the connectors.The flushing kit can include one or more downwardly disposed legsconnected at a proximal end to a bottom side of the adapter plate and aseat protection ring adapted to contact a closure seat gasket of thevalve or be disposed in close proximity thereto and thereby protect aclosure seat of the valve, wherein the seat protection ring is connectedto a distal end of the one or more legs. The flushing kit can furtherinclude a plurality of bonnet clamps each having at least one openingtherethrough, wherein the opening can be adapted to be received on oneof the threaded studs protruding from the upper exterior surface of thevalve body and held in place by a threaded nut. In some aspects, theconnectors can have a bore on each of their distal ends with internalthreads therein and the adapter plate can be connected to the downwardlydisposed connectors with a threaded bolt received in the threaded boreon the end of each of the connectors. In further aspects, the adapterplate can include at least two recesses adapted to receive the distalends of the downwardly disposed connectors. In some aspects, the adapterplate can include at least two openings sized to allow one of thedownwardly disposed connectors to pass through each opening and allowthe bottom side of the blind flushing bonnet to contact an upper side ofthe adapter plate. In further aspects, the adapter plate can include atleast two additional openings each sized to allow a threaded end of abolt to pass therethrough, wherein said bolt is received in a threadedbore in the bottom of the circular disk.

In some embodiments, a flushing bonnet assembly temporarily used forflushing a globe valve includes a circular disk adapted to be receivedin an upper opening of a cavity of the valve when a closure bonnet and aclosure member of the valve are removed. The flushing bonnet can includeone or more downwardly disposed legs connected at a proximal end to abottom side of the circular disk. The flushing kit can further include aseat protection ring adapted to contact a seat gasket of the valve or bedisposed in close proximity thereto, wherein the seat protection ringcan be connected to a distal end of the one or more legs.

In particular embodiments, a flushing bonnet assembly used temporarilyfor flushing a globe valve includes a circular disk adapted to bereceived in an upper opening of a cavity of the valve when the closurebonnet and the closure member of the valve are removed. The flushingbonnet can include at least two downwardly disposed connectors, eachattached at a proximal end to a bottom side of the circular disk. Insome embodiments, the flushing bonnet can include an adapter plateconfigured to receive a distal end of the connectors and be attached tothe adapter plate. In further embodiments, the flushing bonnet caninclude one or more downwardly disposed legs connected at a proximal endto a bottom side of the adapter plate and a seat protection ring adaptedto contact a seat gasket of the valve or be disposed in close proximitythereto, wherein the seat protection ring is connected to a distal endof the one or more legs.

In some embodiments, a method of using a flushing kit for temporarilyflushing a globe valve includes removing a closure bonnet of the valve,removing a closure member of the valve and installing a flushing bonnetassembly in an upper opening of the valve body. The flushing bonnetassembly can include a circular disk adapted to be received in the upperopening of the valve body, wherein the flushing bonnet assembly canfurther include one or more downwardly disposed legs connected at aproximal end to a bottom side of the circular disk. The flushing bonnetassembly can include a seat protection ring connected to a distal end ofthe one or more legs, wherein the seat protection ring can be adapted tobe disposed in close proximity to the closure seat. The method caninclude installing a plurality of bonnet clamps each having at least oneopening therethrough, wherein the opening can be adapted to be receivedon one of the threaded studs protruding from an upper exterior surfaceof the valve body and held in place by a threaded nut. In some aspects,the method can include inserting a plurality of bushings each having anexterior diameter sized to be received in at least one of the openingsof each of the bonnet clamps and having an internal diameter sized to bereceived on the threaded studs protruding from the upper exteriorsurface of the valve body.

In some embodiments, a method of using a flushing kit for temporarilyflushing a globe valve includes removing a closure bonnet of the valve,removing a closure member of the valve, and installing a flushing bonnetassembly in an upper opening of a cavity of the valve. The flushingbonnet assembly can include a circular disk adapted to be received inthe upper opening of the valve cavity and at least two downwardlydisposed connectors, each attached at a proximal end to a bottom side ofthe circular disk. The flushing bonnet assembly can further include anadapter plate configured to receive a distal end of the connectors andbe attached to the connectors, one or more downwardly disposed legsconnected at a proximal end to a bottom side of the adapter plate, and aseat protection ring connected to a distal end of the one or more legs,wherein the seat protection ring can be adapted to be disposed in closeproximity a closure seat of the valve. The method can further includeinstalling a plurality of bonnet clamps each having at least one openingtherethrough, wherein the opening can be adapted to be received on oneof the threaded studs protruding from an upper exterior surface of thebody of the valve and held in place by a threaded nut. In some aspects,the method can include attaching the adapter plate to the circular diskby inserting a threaded bolt into a threaded bore on the distal end ofeach of the at least two downwardly disposed connectors. In furtheraspects, the method can include attaching the adapter plate to the blindflushing bonnet by inserting one of the at least two connectors througheach of the at least two openings in the adapter plate, contacting thebottom side of the circular disk with an upper side of the adapterplate, and inserting an externally threaded end of at least one boltthrough an opening in the adapter plate and threadably receiving saidbolt in a threaded bore in the bottom of the circular disk.

In particular embodiments, a method of adjusting a flushing bonnetassembly, for use in a globe valve, from a first position to a secondposition can include providing a flushing bonnet assembly that includesa circular disk adapted to be received in an upper opening of aninternal cavity of the valve. The flushing bonnet assembly can includeat least two downwardly disposed connectors, each attached at a proximalend to the bottom side of the circular disk, an adapter plate removablyattached to a distal end of the downwardly disposed connectors, at lesttwo downwardly disposed legs connected at a proximal end to a bottomside of the adapter plate, and a seat protection ring connected to adistal end of the one or more legs, wherein the seat protection ring canbe adapted to be disposed in close proximity to a closure seat of thevalve. The method can include removing the adapter plate attached to thecircular disk by removing a threaded bolt from a threaded bore on thedistal end of each of the at least two downwardly disposed connectors,rotating the adapter plate at least 90 degrees but less than 180degrees, attaching the adapter plate to the circular disk by insertingthe at least two connectors through at least two openings in the adapterplate, contacting the bottom side of the circular disk with an upperside of the adapter plate, and inserting an externally threaded end ofat least one bolt through an opening in the adapter plate and threadablyreceiving said bolt in a threaded bore in the bottom of the circulardisk.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art globe valve.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a prior art flushing cage and flushingbonnet.

FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view of the prior art flushing cage and bonnetof FIG. 2 installed in a prior art globe valve.

FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of a prior art flushing cage installed ina prior art globe valve, wherein the valve bonnet assembly has beenpartially disassembled.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a valve flushing kit installed in aglobe valve, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve flushing kit and globevalve of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flushing bonnet assembly, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the flushing bonnet assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the flushing bonnet assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the flushing bonnet assembly ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a flushing bonnet clamp, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the flushing bonnet clamp of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a valve flushing kit installed in aglobe valve, in accordance with alternative embodiments.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a flushing bonnet assembly, in accordancewith alternative embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the flushing bonnet assembly of FIG. 14assembled in a first configuration.

FIG. 16 is an alternative perspective view of the assembled flushingbonnet assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the flushing bonnet assembly ofFIG. 14 assembled in a second configuration and installed in a globevalve.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the flushing bonnet assembly of FIG. 14assembled in a second configuration.

FIG. 19 is an alternative perspective view of the assembled flushingbonnet assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a valve flushing kit installed in aglobe valve, wherein the valve flushing kit includes clamp bushings tosecure the flushing bonnet assembly, in accordance with someembodiments.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, some embodiments of a universal valve flushingkit 100 for use in flushing a globe valve (e.g., a globe valve 10) caninclude a flushing bonnet assembly 120 that can be installed in a priorart globe valve 10 in place of an actuator/bonnet assembly 30 (seeFIG. 1) and critical internal valve components such as guiding, sealingand controlling surfaces referred to as “valve trim” 31 (see FIG. 1),when the globe valve 10 and associated piping system (not shown) is tobe flushed. For example, when flushing a globe valve 10 and coupledinlet and outlet piping, contaminants within the piping can be forcedthrough the valve 10, causing damage to internal components of the valve10 such as the valve trim 31, a valve seat 22, and the like. Whenflushing the globe valve 10, some components such as the actuator/bonnetassembly 30 and the internal valve trim 31 (see FIG. 1 and explanationthereof) can be removed to protect them from damage while non-removablecomponents, such as the valve seat 22, can be covered for protection.Advantageously, a valve flushing kit, such as the kit 100 that isuniversal in nature (e.g., can be used on multiple sizes of valves,valves with different nominal size and pressure ratings, and the like),can reduce the cost required to protect a globe valve 10 during aflushing procedure. For example, by providing a flushing kit 100 that isuniversal in nature, less inventory is required to flush a wide varietyof globe valves. In another example, the flushing kit 100 can reduce theinstallation time by eliminating the need to fully disassemble theactuator/bonnet assembly 30 and valve trim 31 when it is removed fromthe valve for flushing operations. Furthermore, eliminating the fulldisassembly of the actuator/bonnet assembly and valve trim can reducethe risk of damage. By decreasing the time required for installation ofthe flushing kit 100 and decreasing the risk of damage to the globevalve 10, money can be saved, not only in parts and labor costs, butalso in lost productivity while the valve and piping system to beflushed is out of service.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a prior art globe valve 10 can include a valvebody 20 that includes an inlet 23 in fluid communication with an outlet24 and the actuator/bonnet assembly 30 secured to the valve body 20using fasteners (e.g., bonnet studs 38 and bonnet nuts 39). The interiorof valve body 20 can be contoured such that fluid flows smoothly betweenthe inlet 23 and the outlet 24. While the valve 10 is described ashaving the inlet 23 and the outlet 24, fluid can flow in eitherdirection between the inlet 23 and the outlet 24. An interior cavity 25of the valve body 20 can include valve trim 31 which may include athrottling cage 26 that concentrically receives and guides a throttlingplug 32 connected to the actuator/bonnet assembly 30. The plug 32 can becoupled to a reciprocating stem 34 that extends downward through a valvebonnet 36 into the cavity 25. The valve bonnet 36 can seal an upperopening 29 defined by a substantially circumferential edge 21. When thevalve 10 is in the open configuration shown in FIG. 1, fluid can flowthrough an opening 27 defined by the substantially circumferential seat22. Thus, as fluid enters through the inlet 23, fluid can flow upthrough the opening 27 and into the cage 26, through fluid ports 28, andout through the outlet 24.

The plug 32 can throttle flow through the cavity 25 by selectivelycovering a portion of the ports 28 thereby reducing the available areathrough which fluid can flow. Thus, the maximum flow through the valve10 is achieved when the plug 32 is fully retracted (as depicted inFIG. 1) to cover the least, or no, amount of the flow ports 28. Thevalve 10 can be configured such that when the valve 10 is transitionedto a closed configuration, the plug 32 may seal to the flow ports 28 ofthe throttling cage 26 to stop substantially all of the flow into thethrottling cage 26 and through the valve 10. The throttling cage 26 canalso be sealed to the valve body 20, so that substantially all of theflow through the valve 10 passes through the throttling cage 26. In manyembodiments, the seat 22 which is located at the bottom of the cavity 25in the valve body 20, further includes a circumferential seat gasket 23disposed on the seat to form a sealing surface that enables the plug 32to seal with the seat 22.

As indicated in the background section, some piping systems requireperiodic maintenance wherein flushing of the system and attached valvesis performed. For example, a portion of a piping system that includesone or more valves (e.g., the globe valve 10) may be drained andflushed, for example, as part of a regular maintenance program, prior torepair of a portion of that system, prior to repair or replacement of avalve, and/or after replacement of a valve or repair to the system ingeneral. In such circumstances, flushing of the network may includeflushing one or more of the globe valves 10 in the piping system. Sincethe globe valves 10 can include valve trim 31 components such as theplug 32 and cage 26 that require tight tolerances in order to function,these components may require protection from contaminants, such assolids dislodged during flushing of the network. For example, for theglobe valve 10 to seal properly, manufactured tolerances between theplug 32, the cage 26, and the seat 22 must be maintained. When flushinga piping system, debris within the system can be forced at high pressurethrough the valves in the system. This debris can damage components ofthe globe valve 10, such as the plug 32, the cage 26, the seat 22, theinterfaces between these components, and the like. In some examples, theglobe valve 10 can be prepared prior to flushing such that the internalcomponents of the valves are either removed or protected.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, some prior art embodiments of a valveflushing kit, such as a valve flushing kit 40 include a flushing cage 42for protecting internal surfaces of a valve body 20 and a flushingbonnet 44 for sealing the upper opening 29 of the valve body 20 andmaintaining the flushing cage 42 positioned within the valve body 20. Inthese embodiments, components of the globe valve 10 (e.g., theactuator/bonnet assembly 30, the valve trim 31 including the cage 26,the plug 32, and the like) can be removed from the globe valve andreplaced with the flushing kit 40 prior to flushing the attached pipingsystem. The flushing bonnet 44 includes openings 45 that can accept thebonnet studs 38 of the globe valve 10 and can be held in place by thenuts 39, thus creating a fluid tight seal with the edge 21. While theflushing bonnet 44 has openings 45 that correspond to the studs 38 inthe valve 10 shown, different globe valves can have different sizes andconfigurations of bonnet studs, thus requiring different flushingbonnets. This requires a larger inventory of bonnets be kept on handthan in the case where the bonnet is universal (e.g., fits more than oneconfiguration of bonnet studs).

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, some prior art embodiments of a valveflushing kit, such as the valve flushing kit 50 include a flushing cage52 for protecting internal surfaces of a valve body, which can be heldin place using the valve bonnet 36 of the globe valve 10. Theseembodiments can eliminate the need for a flushing bonnet as part of thevalve flushing kit 50. In these embodiments, some of the valve trim 31components of the globe valve 10 (e.g., the reciprocating stem 24, thecage 26, the plug 32, and the like) can be removed from the globe valve10 and replaced with the flushing cage 52. However, in this example, theactuator/bonnet assembly 30 must be disassembled such that the valvebonnet 36 is separated from the remaining components of theactuator/bonnet assembly 30. The bonnet 36 and stem 34 are thenreattached to the valve body 20 using the studs 38 and nuts 39 to holdthe flushing cage in place and seal the opening 29. Upon completion ofthe flushing procedure, the actuator bonnet assembly 30 must bereassembled. These embodiments require additional time to disassembleand reassemble the actuator/bonnet assembly 30 (thus increasing laborcosts) and increase the possibility of damage to the actuator/bonnetassembly 30, in many cases requiring new stem packing if a temporarystem plug is used.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5-7, in some embodiments, a new flushing kit100 can be used for temporarily flushing a globe valve 10, the valve 10having a valve body 20 defining the internal cavity 25 for receiving alinear reciprocating closure member (e.g., the throttling plug 32, cage26 and the reciprocating stem 34). The valve body 20 can include thevalve inlet 23 fluidly connected to the internal cavity 25 which isfluidly connected to the valve outlet 24. The valve body 20 can includethe upper opening 29 in the internal cavity 25 which in normal operationof the valve and piping system can be substantially sealed by theactuator/bonnet assembly 30 (e.g., the bonnet 36 included in theactuator/bonnet assembly 30, and the like). The bonnet 36 can be held inplace with one or more threaded nuts 39 each received on a plurality ofthreaded studs 38 protruding from an upper exterior surface of the valvebody 20. The lower opening 27 in the internal cavity 25 can becircumferentially surrounded by the closure seat 22 that is adapted toreceive a closure member, such as the plug 32 (see FIG. 1).

Referring now to FIGS. 5-12, in some embodiments, the valve flushing kit100 can include the flushing bonnet assembly 120, configured with acircular shaped blind cover portion 140 that can be at least partiallyreceived in the upper opening 29 of the internal cavity 25 such thatwhen coupled to the valve body 20 (e.g., using the nuts 39, the studs38, and clamps 110) a substantially fluid-tight seal is maintainedbetween one or more outer edges of the blind cover portion 140 and thesubstantially circumferential edge 21 of the valve body that defines theupper opening 29. When installed in this manner, a seat protection ring170 included in the flushing bonnet assembly 120 can abut seat gasket 23or be disposed in close proximity thereto and protect the closure seat22. The flushing bonnet assembly 120 can be positioned within the valvebody 20 in this manner when the actuator/bonnet assembly 30 and valvetrim 31 is removed. The flushing bonnet assembly 120 can include one ormore downwardly disposed legs 190 such that proximal ends 192 of thelegs 190 are coupled to a bottom side 141 of the blind bonnet portion140 and that distal ends 194 of the legs 190 are coupled to the seatprotection ring 170 adapted to contact the seat gasket 23 or be disposedin close proximity thereto. The valve flushing kit 100 can include oneor more of the bonnet clamps 110 each having at least one opening 111 a(see FIG. 11) therethrough, wherein the opening 111 a can be adapted tobe received on one of the threaded studs 38 protruding from the upperexterior surface of the valve body 20 and held in place by one of thethreaded nuts 39. In some embodiments, the bonnet clamps 110 can eachinclude the opening 111 a and an opening 111 b of a different size thanthe opening 111 a. In these embodiments, one set of the clamps 110 canbe used on valves that include different sized studs 38 (including anacceptable tolerance between the opening and the outer diameter of thestud). The flushing bonnet assembly 120 can include a handle 118 toassist in inserting and removing the flushing assembly 120 from a valve(e.g., the valve body 20).

Briefly, in use, the piping system (not shown) coupled to the globevalve 10 can require flushing (e.g., to remove debris, prior to repair,prior to inspection, and the like). When flushing the piping system, itcan be advantageous to remove the actuator/bonnet assembly 30 (seeFIG. 1) and valve trim 31 and to protect the seat 22 from damage relatedto flushing the system. The actuator/bonnet assembly 30 (including theplug 32, the reciprocating stem 34, and the like) and subsequently thevalve trim 31 (including the plug 32 and cage 26) can be removed byfirst removing the nuts 39 and then separating the actuator/bonnetassembly 30 from the valve body 20. The some or all of the elements ofthe valve trim 31 are removed. With the actuator bonnet assembly 30removed and the plug 32 and cage 26 removed, the internal cavity 25 isnow fluidly connected to the exterior of the valve body 20 via the upperopening 29. The valve flushing kit 100 can be used to create asubstantially fluid-tight seal with the edge 21, thus fluidlydisconnecting the internal cavity 25 from the exterior of the valve body20. For example, the flushing bonnet assembly 120 can be positioned suchthat the blind bonnet portion 140 abuts the edge 21 and the seatprotection ring 170 abuts the seat gasket 23 or be disposed in closeproximity thereto to protect seat 22. The flushing bonnet assembly 120can then be secured in place using the bonnet clamps 110 held with thenuts 39, thus crushing the body gasket 33 and creating a tight seal.Once secured in this manner, the fluid system (including the interior ofthe globe valve 10), can be flushed, without concern for damagingdelicate components such as the plug 32 and the cage 26 (which have beenremoved), the seat 22 (which is protected with the cover ring 170) andthe like.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, by way of a specific example, the flushingbonnet assembly 120 can include dimensions that can advantageously allowthe valve flush kit 100 to be used with a 6 inch nominal size valve witha nominal pressure rating of 300 # ANSI globe valve, such as the globevalve 10 depicted in FIGS. 6-10. For example, the blind bonnet portion140 of the assembly 120 can include a shoulder 142 with an exemplarythickness 143 of about 1.30 inches and the protection ring 170 caninclude a shoulder 172 with an exemplary thickness 173 of about 0.60inches. In some embodiments, a distance 121 between a base of theshoulder 142 and a base of the shoulder 172 of about 9.05 inches, with atolerance of 0.020 inches.

Referring now, by way of a specific example, to FIGS. 11-12, the clamp110 can have a thickness 112 that is about 1.25 inches and a length 113that is about 7.30 inches. As described previously, the clamp 110 caninclude one or more openings through the body of the clamp 110 (e.g.,the openings 111 a and 111 b depicted). In some embodiments, the opening111 a can have a diameter of about 1.26 inches, while the opening 111 bcan have a diameter of about 1.76 inches.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-19, the valve flush kit 100 can include adifferent configuration of the flushing bonnet assembly. In one suchalternate embodiment, the flush kit 100 can include a flushing bonnetassembly 220 that advantageously includes two or more components thatcan be reversibly coupled together. For example, the flushing bonnetassembly 220 can include an upper portion 230 and a lower portion 260that can be rotated 90 degrees and coupled together. When installed in aglobe valve, the upper portion 230 can seal the upper opening in thevalve body (e.g., the upper opening 29 in the valve body 20) while thelower portion 260 can cover the seat gasket 23 or be disposed in closeproximity thereto to protect the seat 22. In some embodiments, theflushing bonnet assembly 220 can be advantageously configured such thatthe upper portion 230 and the lower portion 260 can be coupled in morethan one configuration, thus yielding a flushing bonnet assembly 220that, when assembled, can have different distances between a blind coverportion 240 and a seat protection ring 270. Furthermore, in cases wherethe upper portion 230 and the lower portion 260 can be reversiblycoupled, combinations of upper portions and lower portions can beassembled for use in a variety of valves that have, for example,different upper opening 29 diameters, different seat 22 diameters,different distances between the upper opening 29 and the seat 22, andthe like. By giving technicians the ability to mix and matchcombinations of upper portions 230 and lower portion 260, the inventoryof flushing bonnet assemblies can be reduced.

In some embodiments, the upper portion 230 of the flushing bonnetassembly 220 can include the generally disk shaped blind cover portion240 that can seal the upper opening 29 of the valve body 20. The upperportion 230 can include features that can be rotated 90 degrees andcouple the upper portion 230 to the lower portion 260. For example, theblind cover portion 240 can include one or more threaded openings 245(see FIG. 16) and the upper portion 230 can include one or moreconnector shafts 250 extending axially downward from a bottom edge 242(see FIG. 16) of the cover portion 240. The lower portion 260 caninclude complimentary features that can be rotated 90 degrees and couplethe upper portion 230 to the lower portion 260. For example, the lowerportion 260 can include an adapter disk 280 that includes one or moreopenings 282 that can accept screws 284 and one or more openings 283that can accept the connector shafts 250. The connector shafts may becylindrical rods (as shown) or alternative configurations As will bedescribed in greater detail below, the screws 284 can be used incombination with the openings 282, the threaded openings 245, theconnector shafts 250, and the like, to in an alternative manner couplethe upper portion 230 to the lower portion 260. The lower portion 260can include one or more downwardly disposed legs 290 such that proximalends 292 of the legs 290 are coupled to a bottom side 281 of the adapterdisk 280 and that distal ends 294 of the legs 290 are coupled to theseat protection ring 270 adapted to contact seat gasket 23 or bedisposed in close proximity thereto and protect the closure seat 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, as described previously, the upper portion230 and the lower portion 260 can be coupled in more than oneconfiguration, thus yielding a flushing bonnet assembly 220 that, whenassembled, can have different distances between the blind cover portion240 and the seat protection ring 270. For example, the adapter disk 280can include the openings 282 that can abut the connector shafts 250 fromthe upper portion 230. When the internal threads of the connector shafts250 are aligned with the openings 282, the upper portion 230 can bereversibly coupled to the lower portion 260 using, for example, thebolts 284. In this example, threaded shafts of the bolts 284 can passthrough the openings 282 and engage the internal threads of theconnector shafts 250. When the bolts 284 are secured, the flushingbonnet assembly 220 becomes substantially rigid and can be installed ina globe valve 10 prior to flushing.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, in another example, the upper portion 230can be positioned such that the connector shafts 250 pass through theopenings 283 until the blind cover portion 240 abuts the adapter disk280. When in this configuration, the threaded openings 245 can bealigned with the openings 282 such that the bolts 284 can pass throughthe openings 282 and engage the internal threads of the openings 245,thus reversibly coupling the upper portion 230 to the lower portion 260.In this configuration, the distance between the cover portion 240 andthe protection ring 270 can be smaller than in the configurationdescribed previously where the portions 230 and 260 are secured usingthe connector shafts 250. This advantageously allows one upper portion230 and one lower portion 260 to be assembled in at least two differentlengths, helping to reduce the inventory of flushing bonnet assembliesneeded for use in flushing a variety of globe valves. As with previousembodiments, the valve flushing kit 100 can include one or more bonnetclamps 210 that can be positioned on the threaded studs 38 and held inplace by one of the threaded nuts 39 to secure the blind bonnet 220 tothe valve body 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 20, in some alternative embodiments, theflushing kit 100 can include bushings 315 for use with bonnet clamps310. The clamps 310 can include openings 311 configured to accept thebonnet studs 38 of the globe valve 10. For example, the bushings 315 canbe configured such that the inside diameter of the bushings 315 are thesize of the outside diameter of the studs 38 plus an allowed tolerance,such that the bushings 315 can slide over the studs 38. Furthermore, thebushings 315 can include a conical outside diameter that is tapered froma size that is smaller than the openings 311 to a size that is largerthan the openings 311. As in previous examples, the flushing bonnetassembly 120 and 220 can be positioned inside the globe valve 10 inplace of internal components such as the cage 26, the plug 32, and thelike, such that the flushing bonnet assembly can cover and protect theseat 22 and seal the upper opening 29. To secure the flushing bonnetassembly in place, the bonnet clamps 310 can be positioned such that thebonnet studs 38 pass through the openings 311. The bushings 315 can thenbe positioned over the studs 38 such that the smaller diameter endsenter the openings 311. The bushings 315 will slide down the studs 38until the tapered outer diameters contact substantially the entirecircumference of openings 311. When the nuts 39 are tightened on thestuds 38, this action causes the studs 38 to contact the bushings 315and forces the bushings 315 farther into the openings 311, creating awedging force. This force can cause the clamps 310 to secure theflushing bonnet assembly in the globe valve 10. In this example, thenuts 39 can advantageously be used to secure the clamps 310 in place bycontacting the bushings 315 and not the clamps 310 themselves, thus itis not required that the nuts 39 be larger than the openings 311. Inthese embodiments, the clamps 310 can include a single opening 311, butcan be used with studs 38 with a wide range of diameters.

In examples where the nuts 39 are larger than the openings 311, thebushings 315 may not be needed and the nuts 39 can be tightened directlyto the clamps 310. In examples where the nuts 39 are smaller than theopenings 311, the bushings 315 can be used as described above. In someembodiments, the valve flushing kit 100 can include bushings 315 withdifferent sized inside diameters for use with different sized bonnetstuds. In these embodiments, the flushing kit 100 can advantageously beused with a variety of globe valves that each includes different sizedbonnet studs. When using the clamps 310 with different sized studs thanthose depicted in FIG. 20, bushings 315 are chosen from the kit thatinclude inside diameters that substantially match the outside diametersof the bonnet studs 38. In some embodiments, one set of bushings 315 canbe used on a variety of sizes of studs 38.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments arc within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. A flushing kit used for temporarily flushing a globe valve, saidvalve having a valve body defining an internal cavity for receiving alinear reciprocating closure member and a first internal fluid passageconnecting a valve inlet to the internal cavity and a second internalfluid passage connecting the internal cavity to a valve outlet, saidinternal cavity having an upper opening closed by a closure bonnet heldin place with threaded nuts received on a plurality of threaded studsprotruding from an upper exterior surface of the valve body, and a loweropening in the internal cavity having a closure seat and seat gasketadapted to receive the closure member, said flushing kit comprising: aflushing bonnet assembly comprising a circular disk adapted to bereceived in the upper opening of the valve cavity when the closurebonnet and the closure member are removed; one or more downwardlydisposed legs connected at a proximal end to a bottom side of thecircular disk; a seat protection ring adapted to contact the seat gasketor be disposed in close proximity thereto and thereby protect theclosure seat, said seat protection ring connected to a distal end of theone or more legs; and a plurality of bonnet clamps each having at leastone opening therethrough, said opening adapted to be received on one ofthe threaded studs protruding from the upper exterior surface of thevalve body and held in place by the threaded nut.
 2. The flushing kit ofclaim 1 further including a plurality of bushings each having anexterior diameter sized to be received in the opening of each of thebonnet clamps and having an internal diameter of sized to be received onthe threaded studs protruding from the upper exterior surface of thevalve body.
 3. The flushing kit of claim 1 wherein each of the bonnetclamps has two or more holes of varying diameters wherein at least oneof the diameters is sized to be received on the threaded studsprotruding from the upper exterior surface of the valve body.
 4. Theflushing kit of claim 3 further including a plurality of bushings eachhaving an exterior diameter sized to be received in at least one of theopenings of each of the bonnet clamps and having an internal diametersized to be received on the threaded studs protruding from the upperexterior surface of the valve body.
 5. A flushing kit used fortemporarily flushing a globe valve, said valve having a valve bodydefining an internal cavity for receiving a linear reciprocating closuremember and a first internal fluid passage connecting a valve inlet tothe internal cavity and a second internal fluid passage connecting theinternal cavity to a valve outlet, said internal cavity having an upperopening closed by a closure bonnet held in place with threaded nutsreceived on a plurality of threaded studs protruding from an upperexterior surface of the valve body, and a lower opening in the internalcavity having a closure seat and a seat gasket adapted to receive theclosure member, said flushing kit comprising: a flushing bonnet assemblycomprising a circular disk adapted to be received in the upper openingof the valve cavity when the closure bonnet and the closure member areremoved; at least two downwardly disposed connectors, each attached at aproximal end to the bottom side of the circular disk; an adapter plateconfigured to receive a distal end of the connectors and be attachedthereto; one or more downwardly disposed legs connected at a proximalend to a bottom side of the adapter plate; a seat protection ringadapted to contact the closure seat gasket or be disposed in closeproximity thereto and thereby protect the closure seat, said seatprotection ring connected to a distal end of the one or more legs; and aplurality of bonnet clamps each having at least one openingtherethrough, said opening adapted to be received on one of the threadedstuds protruding from the upper exterior surface of the valve body andheld in place by the threaded nut.
 6. The flushing kit of claim 5wherein the at least two downwardly disposed connectors have a bore oneach of their distal ends with internal threads therein and the adapterplate is connected to the downwardly disposed connectors with a threadedbolt received in the threaded bore on the end of each of the downwardlydisposed connectors.
 7. The flushing kit of claim 6 wherein the adapterplate includes at least two recesses adapted to receive the distal endsof the at least two downwardly disposed connectors.
 8. The flushing kitof claim 5 wherein the adapter plate includes at least two openingssized to allow one of the downwardly disposed connectors to pass througheach opening and allow the bottom side of the blind flushing bonnet tocontact an upper side of the adapter plate.
 9. The kit claim of claim 8wherein the adapter plate further includes at least two additionalopenings each sized to allow a threaded end of a bolt to passtherethrough, wherein said bolt is received in a threaded bore in thebottom of the circular disk.
 10. The flushing kit of claim 5 furtherincluding a plurality of bushings each having an exterior diameter sizedto be received in the opening of each of the bonnet clamps and having aninternal diameter of sized to be received on the threaded studsprotruding from the upper exterior surface of the valve body.
 11. Theflushing kit of claim 5 wherein each of the bonnet clamps has two ormore holes of varying diameters wherein at least one of the diameters issized to be received on the threaded studs protruding from the upperexterior surface of the valve body.
 12. The flushing kit of claim 11further including a plurality of bushings each having a exteriordiameter sized to be received in at least one of the openings of each ofthe bonnet clamps and having an internal diameter sized to be receivedon the threaded studs protruding from the upper exterior surface of thevalve body.
 13. A flushing bonnet assembly used for temporarily flushinga globe valve, said valve having a valve body defining an internalcavity for receiving a linear reciprocating closure member and a firstinternal fluid passage connecting a valve inlet to the internal cavityand a second internal fluid passage connecting the internal cavity to avalve outlet, said internal cavity having an upper opening closed by aclosure bonnet held in place with threaded nuts received on a pluralityof threaded studs protruding from an upper exterior surface of the valvebody, and a lower opening in the internal cavity having a closure seatand seat gasket adapted to receive the closure member, said flushingbonnet assembly comprising: a circular disk adapted to be received inthe upper opening of the valve cavity when the closure bonnet and theclosure member are removed; one or more downwardly disposed legsconnected at a proximal end to a bottom side of the circular disk; and aseat protection ring adapted to contact the seat gasket or be disposedin close proximity thereto, said seat protection ring connected to adistal end of the one or more legs.
 14. A flushing bonnet assembly usedfor temporarily flushing a globe valve, said valve having a valve bodydefining an internal cavity for receiving a linear reciprocating closuremember and a first internal fluid passage connecting a valve inlet tothe internal cavity and second internal fluid passage connecting theinternal cavity to a valve outlet, said internal cavity having an upperopening closed by a closure bonnet held in place with threaded nutsreceived on a plurality of threaded studs protruding from an upperexterior surface of the valve body, and a lower opening in the internalcavity having a closure seat and seat gasket adapted to receive theclosure member, said flushing bonnet assembly comprising: a circulardisk adapted to be received in the upper opening of the valve cavitywhen the closure bonnet and the closure member are removed; at least twodownwardly disposed connectors, each attached at a proximal end to abottom side of the circular disk; an adapter plate configured to receivea distal end of the connectors and be attached thereto; one or moredownwardly disposed legs connected at a proximal end to a bottom side ofthe adapter plate; and a seat protection ring adapted to contact theseat gasket or be disposed in close proximity thereto, said seatprotection ring connected to a distal end of the one or more legs. 15.The flushing bonnet assembly of claim 14 wherein the at least twodownwardly disposed connectors each have a threaded bore on each oftheir distal ends with internal threads therein and the adapter plate isconnected to the downwardly disposed connectors with a threaded boltreceived in the threaded bore on the end of each of the downwardlydisposed connectors.
 16. The flushing bonnet assembly of claim 15wherein the adapter plate includes at least two recesses adapted toreceive the distal ends of the at least two downwardly disposedconnectors.
 17. The flushing bonnet assembly of claim 14 wherein theadapter plate includes at least two openings sized to allow one of thedownwardly disposed connectors to pass through each opening and allowthe bottom side of the blind flushing bonnet to contact an upper side ofthe adapter plate.
 18. The flushing adapter of claim 17 wherein theadapter plate further includes at least two additional openings eachsized to allow a threaded end of a bolt to pass therethrough, whereinsaid bolt is received in a threaded bore in the bottom of the blindflushing bonnet.
 19. A method of using a flushing kit for temporarilyflushing a globe valve, said valve having a valve body defining aninternal cavity for receiving a linear reciprocating closure member anda first internal fluid passage connecting a valve inlet to the internalcavity and a second internal fluid passage connecting the internalcavity to a valve outlet, said internal cavity having an upper openingclosed by a closure bonnet held in place with threaded nuts received ona plurality of threaded studs protruding from an upper exterior surfaceof the valve body, and a lower opening in the internal cavity having aclosure seat adapted to receive the closure member, said methodcomprising: removing the valve closure bonnet; removing the closuremember; installing a flushing bonnet assembly in the upper opening ofthe valve cavity, said flushing bonnet assembly comprising: a circulardisk adapted to be received in the upper opening of a valve cavity, saidflushing bonnet assembly further including one or more downwardlydisposed legs connected at a proximal end to a bottom side of thecircular disk, and a seat protection ring connected to a distal end ofthe one or more legs, said seat protection ring being adapted to bedisposed in close proximity to the closure seat; and installing aplurality of bonnet clamps each having at least one openingtherethrough, said opening adapted to be received on one of the threadedstuds protruding from the upper exterior surface of the valve body andheld in place by the threaded nut.
 20. The method of claim 19 furtherincluding inserting a plurality of bushings each having a exteriordiameter sized to be received in at least one of the openings of each ofthe bonnet clamps and having an internal diameter sized to be receivedon the threaded studs protruding from the upper exterior surface of thevalve body.
 21. A method of using a flushing kit for temporarilyflushing a globe valve, said valve having a valve body defining aninternal cavity for receiving a linear reciprocating closure member anda first internal fluid passage connecting a valve inlet to the internalcavity and a second internal fluid passage connecting the internalcavity to a valve outlet, said internal cavity having an upper openingclosed by a closure bonnet held in place with threaded nuts received ona plurality of threaded studs protruding from an upper exterior surfaceof the valve body, and a lower opening in the internal cavity having aclosure seat adapted to receive the closure member, said methodcomprising: removing the valve closure bonnet; removing the closuremember; installing a flushing bonnet assembly in the upper opening ofthe valve cavity, said flushing bonnet assembly comprising a circulardisk adapted to be received in the upper opening of the valve cavity,said flushing bonnet assembly further including at least two downwardlydisposed connectors, each attached at a proximal end to a bottom side ofthe circular disk, an adapter plate configured to receive a distal endof the connectors and be attached thereto, one or more downwardlydisposed legs connected at a proximal end to a bottom side of theadapter plate, and a seat protection ring connected to a distal end ofthe one or more legs, said seat protection ring being adapted to bedisposed in close proximity to the closure seat; and installing aplurality of bonnet clamps each having at least one openingtherethrough, said opening adapted to be received on one of the threadedstuds protruding from the upper exterior surface of the valve body andheld in place by the threaded nut.
 22. The method of claim 21 furtherincluding inserting a plurality of bushings each having a exteriordiameter sized to be received in at least one of the openings of each ofthe bonnet clamps and having an internal diameter of sized to bereceived on the threaded studs protruding from the upper exteriorsurface of the valve body.
 23. The method of claim 21 further includingthe step of attaching the adapter plate to the circular disk byinserting a threaded bolt into a threaded bore on the distal end of eachof the at least two downwardly disposed connectors.
 24. The method ofclaim 21 further including attaching the adapter plate to the blindflushing bonnet by inserting one of the at least two connectors througheach of the at least two openings in the adapter plate, and contactingthe bottom side of the circular disk with an upper side of the adapterplate, inserting an externally threaded end of at least one bolt throughan opening in the adapter plate and threadably receiving said bolt in athreaded bore in the bottom of the circular disk.
 25. A method ofadjusting from a first position to a second position a flushing bonnetassembly for use in a globe valve, said valve having a valve bodydefining an internal cavity for receiving a linear reciprocating closuremember and a first internal fluid passage connecting a valve inlet tothe internal cavity and a second internal fluid passage connecting theinternal cavity to a valve outlet, said internal cavity having an upperopening closed by a removable closure bonnet held in place with threadednuts received on a plurality of threaded studs protruding from an upperexterior surface of the valve body, and a lower opening in the internalcavity having a closure seat adapted to receive the closure member, saidmethod comprising: providing a flushing bonnet assembly comprising acircular disk adapted to be received in the upper opening of theinternal cavity, said flushing bonnet assembly further including atleast two downwardly disposed connectors, each attached at a proximalend to the bottom side of the circular disk, an adapter plate removablyattached to a distal end of the downwardly disposed connectors, at lesttwo downwardly disposed legs connected at a proximal end to a bottomside of the adapter plate, and a seat protection ring connected to adistal end of the one or more legs, said seat protection ring beingadapted to be disposed in close proximity to the closure seat; removingthe adapter plate attached to the circular disk by removing a threadedbolt from a threaded bore on the distal end of each of the at least twodownwardly disposed connectors; rotating the adapter plate at least 90degrees but less than 180 degrees; attaching the adapter plate to thecircular disk by inserting the at least two connectors through at leasttwo openings in the adapter plate; contacting the bottom side of thecircular disk with an upper side of the adapter plate; and inserting anexternally threaded end of at least one bolt through an opening in theadapter plate and threadably receiving said bolt in a threaded bore inthe bottom of the circular disk.